Compare Pet Insurance from UK Providers

Use the quote tool to compare pet insurance options for your dog or cat from a panel of UK insurers. Depending on your individual circumstances, cover could start from £3.35/month.*

Compare quotes from 25+ UK insurers

Options for all breeds, ages, and budgets

FCA-regulated quote tool via Seopa Ltd

Compare pet insurance options tailored to your pet's needs — see how much you could pay in minutes.

*Based on sample quotes for a 1-year-old dog with no pre-existing conditions. The price you could be quoted depends on your pet's breed, age, health status, and your location. This content is for editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Pet insurance comparison for cats and dogs
25+ UK Providers

Dog Insurance

Dog icon

Compare dog insurance options from a panel of UK providers. Policies available for different breeds, ages, and health needs.

You could pay from £3.35 per month*

*Price per month for cover based on a dog, Burger, one year old, no known medical conditions and up-to-date vaccinations. Based on quote data provided by Seopa Ltd during November 2024. The quote price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances.

Cat Insurance

Cat icon

Compare cat insurance options from UK providers. Cover available for both indoor and outdoor cats of various ages.

You could pay from £3.35 per month*

*Price per month for cover based on a cat, Ozzy, one year old, no known medical conditions, up-to-date vaccinations, and microchipped. Based on quote data provided by Seopa Ltd during August 2024. The quote price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances.

*Sample quotes provided by Seopa Ltd in November 2024. The price you could be quoted depends on your individual circumstances, including pet age, breed, health status, and location. This content is for editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

View quotes from a panel of UK pet insurance providers

PDSA Pet Insurance LogoHealthy Pets LogoPurely Pets LogoAnimal Friends LogoWaggel LogoArgos Pet Insurance Logo
PDSA Pet Insurance LogoHealthy Pets LogoPurely Pets LogoAnimal Friends LogoWaggel LogoArgos Pet Insurance Logo

Common Vet Expenses in the UK

Veterinary care can be costly — particularly for accidents or long-term health conditions. While actual fees vary, here are typical UK averages:

Treatment TypeAverage Claim Payout
Lameness£536.91
Stomach Upset (Vomiting/Diarrhoea)£335.00
Vomiting£508.11
Foreign Body Ingestion£789.02
Ear Infection£216.89

📌 Estimated vet costs based on average claim payouts from ManyPets. Actual costs may vary.

Veterinarian caring for a pet

🩺 According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average UK pet insurance claim was £685 in 2024. Source: ABI

This content is for editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

What You'll Need to Compare Pet Insurance

To generate accurate quotes using the comparison tool, have the following information ready:

Pet Details

Include your pet's species, breed, age, and any known medical conditions. These help insurers assess coverage options and risk.

Your Information

Provide basic personal details such as your name, address, and claims history. This information is used by insurers to generate a personalised quote.

Cover Preferences

Select the type of cover you're interested in — such as lifetime, time-limited, accident-only, or maximum benefit — based on your circumstances.

This content is for editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

What Is Pet Insurance?

Q:What does pet insurance typically cover?

Pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected veterinary treatments for accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Policies may include cover for surgery, diagnostic tests, prescribed medication, or hospitalisation. Routine treatments, vaccinations, and pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.

Q:Is pet insurance necessary if I have savings for vet bills?

While some owners prefer to save for vet expenses, certain veterinary procedures or treatments can cost several thousand pounds. Insurance can provide a financial buffer against higher, unexpected costs that may exceed typical savings.

Q:When can I take out pet insurance?

You can usually insure your pet from as young as 6–8 weeks old, depending on the insurer. Policies may offer more comprehensive cover when taken out early, and premiums can be lower for younger pets. Cover and eligibility may vary by provider.

Q:How does the claims process work?

In most cases, you'll pay the vet directly, then submit a claim to your insurer along with the invoice. Some insurers may offer direct payments to the vet or an online claims portal. Processing times and reimbursement options can vary.

This content is for editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always read the terms and conditions of the policy you're considering.

INSURANCE OPTIONS

Types of Pet Insurance Cover

Pet insurance is available in several types. The level of cover varies depending on the policy and provider. Below are some of the most common policy types available in the UK:

Accident Only

Provides cover for treatment resulting from accidental injuries. This type of policy does not typically cover illness or ongoing conditions.

Time-Limited

Covers new conditions for a set period of time (such as 12 months) from when treatment starts. After the time limit or financial limit is reached, the condition is no longer covered.

Maximum Benefit

Covers treatment for conditions up to a fixed monetary amount. There is no time limit for claiming, but once the benefit amount is used up, that condition is no longer covered.

Lifetime Cover

Offers cover for ongoing or recurring conditions, up to a set amount each policy year. Cover typically continues if the policy is renewed without a break.

This content is for editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always refer to individual policy documents for full terms, conditions, and exclusions.

WHAT'S COVERED

What's Typically Covered

Standard pet insurance policies may include the following features, depending on the provider and policy type:

  • Veterinary treatment for accidents or illness
  • Surgery and hospitalisation
  • Prescription medication and diagnostic tests
  • Emergency boarding (in some policies)
  • Complementary therapies (offered by selected insurers)
EXCLUSIONS

What's Typically Not Covered

It's important to understand common exclusions that may apply to most pet insurance policies:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions (conditions present before cover starts)
  • Routine care such as check-ups and vaccinations
  • Preventative treatments (e.g. flea/worming)
  • Pregnancy, breeding, or neutering
  • Cosmetic or elective procedures

👉Always check your individual policy documents for a full list of exclusions and coverage limits.

This content is for editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

What Factors Can Influence the Cost of Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance pricing varies by pet, policy, and provider. While some breeds are more costly to insure due to hereditary health risks, several other elements can impact your premium:

Key Pricing Factors:

  • 🐾
    Breed

    Pedigree or larger breeds may attract higher premiums due to genetic health risks and treatment costs.

  • 📆
    Age

    Older pets are more likely to need veterinary care, which can result in higher premiums.

  • 📍
    Location

    Insurance prices can vary by postcode, as vet fees and claim patterns differ by region.

  • 🩺
    Health History

    Pets with existing or previous medical conditions may have higher premiums or limited cover options.

  • 🏷️
    Type of Policy

    Cover level (e.g., accident-only, time-limited, maximum benefit, or lifetime) significantly influences cost.

  • 💷
    Excess Amount

    Choosing a higher voluntary excess could reduce your monthly or annual premium.

💡Did you know? Market data suggests that some larger dog breeds may cost up to four times more to insure than smaller crossbreeds on comparable policies.

Key Cost Factors: What Affects Your Pet Insurance Premium?

Premium
🏥

Medical History

Pre-existing medical conditions may limit cover or increase premiums, depending on the insurer.

💰

Policy Excess

Choosing a higher voluntary excess may reduce your monthly or annual premium.

📆

Pet's Age

Older pets often come with higher premiums due to increased likelihood of needing care.

🏠

Location

Where you live affects pricing — vet fees and risk levels vary by region.

Several variables can influence how much you pay for pet insurance. These factors are assessed differently by each insurer, so it's worth reviewing multiple quotes to understand your options.

Each insurer weighs these factors differently — which is why it helps to view multiple quotes.

📌 This content is for editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Get Pet Insurance Quotes

Compare pet insurance options tailored to your pet's needs — see how much you could pay in minutes.

SAVINGS TIPS

🐾 Tips to Help Reduce Pet Insurance Costs

This content is for editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

There are several factors that may help reduce the cost of a pet insurance policy. Below are some commonly considered approaches:

🧠

Did You Know?

According to publicly available market data, pet insurance premiums can range from under £10/month for basic policies to £30+/month for older pets or certain breeds. Factors like breed, age, location, and cover type all affect pricing.

📌 The quote comparison tool allows users to view options from multiple insurers. The comparison service is provided by Seopa Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 313860).

Get Pet Insurance Quotes

Compare pet insurance options tailored to your pet's needs — see how much you could pay in minutes.

🐾 Information Commonly Requested When Using the Quote Tool

To generate insurance quotes via the quote tool, you'll typically need to provide the following details:

Pet Information – Species, breed, age, and sex of your pet

Health History – Information about vaccinations and any known medical conditions

Claims History – Details of any previous claims

Your Details – Basic contact information including name and postcode

Insurance Background – Whether you've held pet insurance previously

📌 Quote comparisons are provided via a tool operated by Seopa Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 313860).

🐾 Pet Insurance: Common Myths vs Facts

This content is for editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

MYTH

"Some people believe pet insurance isn't worth the cost — they prefer to pay for vet bills when they happen."

FACT

Unexpected veterinary treatments can be expensive. Industry data suggests that a single emergency procedure could cost several thousand pounds. Insurance may help offset these unplanned costs, offering financial protection if your pet becomes ill or injured.

MYTH

"Some people think indoor cats don't need pet insurance since they're not exposed to outside risks."

FACT

Even indoor pets can develop health conditions like diabetes, dental problems, or kidney disease. They may also experience accidents within the home. While premiums for indoor cats are often lower, insurance can still help cover costs associated with unexpected medical treatment.

🐾 Pet Insurance FAQs

This content is for editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

What happens if I switch pet insurers mid-policy?

Switching during an active policy is possible, but may affect your cover. Any condition previously claimed for is likely to be treated as pre-existing by a new provider. Cancellation fees may apply, and no-claims discounts typically do not transfer. Comparing policies at renewal is generally a simpler and more effective approach.

How does my pet's breed affect insurance premiums?

Premiums are partially based on breed-related health risks. For example, some breeds are more prone to hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia or respiratory issues, which can lead to higher premiums. Crossbreeds or mixed-breed pets may have lower premiums due to reduced risk of certain inherited conditions.

Could my home location impact pet insurance costs?

Yes. Insurers may consider regional differences such as average vet fees, frequency of claims, and risks like pet theft. Urban areas — especially those with higher veterinary costs (e.g. London) — often result in higher premiums compared to rural locations.

What's the difference between complementary therapy cover and standard treatment?

Standard treatment generally includes consultations, diagnostics, surgery, and medication. Complementary therapy — when included in a policy — may cover hydrotherapy, acupuncture, or physiotherapy if recommended by a vet. These treatments are usually subject to specific terms and limits.

Are hereditary conditions covered by pet insurance?

It depends on the policy type. Lifetime policies may include cover for hereditary conditions, provided they occur after the policy starts and were not pre-existing. Other policies may exclude these conditions or set monetary caps. Always check the policy terms, exclusions, and definitions carefully.

How do multi-pet discounts work?

Some providers offer discounts (commonly 5–15%) for covering multiple pets under the same insurer. Each pet typically has its own cover and claims record, but the discount applies to the policyholder's account. Terms and eligibility can vary by provider.

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